A jury in Placer County has awarded $15.8 million to the widow of a retired California Highway Patrol officer following the death of her husband in a motorcycle accident involving Phil Oates, a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
Miranda Flores’s husband, Patrick Seamus Mulderrig, was 59 when he lost his life in the crash that occurred in May 2024 in Granite Bay.
In a statement after the verdict, Flores expressed her gratitude to the jury for acknowledging the significant impact her husband had on their lives and the profound sense of loss she feels. She remarked, “Patrick influenced our families and my life every single day. I hope Phil Oates now fully understands the implications of his actions on our families.”
Flores admitted it has been challenging to cope with her husband’s passing. “I feel like just a piece of a person. I wake up and try my best to breathe and pretend I am living because I know he would want me to be okay. I didn’t just lose my sweet Patrick that day; I lost the life we were meant to share and every moment that could have been ours,” she shared.
According to police reports, Mulderrig was on Douglas Boulevard when Oates made a left turn with his Cadillac. Oates claimed he saw the motorcycle change lanes as he was moving onto the road, but he misjudged its speed, leading to a collision shortly after.
It was reported that Oates was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. Following the accident, police referred Oates to the district attorney for potential charges, including manslaughter, but to no effect as the DA did not pursue any citations in this case.
Despite this, the jury found a basis to award Flores a substantial sum. Attorney Roger Dreyer, representing Flores, emphasized the essence of the case as one centered on accountability. He added, “This has always been about seeking accountability and responsibility. Patrick was an exceptional husband who lived for his wife and others, and the unanimous decision of the jury underscores the depth of Miranda’s loss and what Patrick meant to her.”
Dreyer pointed out that the district attorney’s office had failed to hold Oates accountable in the criminal justice system, but the civil verdict provided an avenue for justice.
Attempts to reach Oates for comment were unsuccessful, as he chose not to respond.
